Shirley was born on October 21, 1940, in Victoria, Texas, to Mason H. Woods and Pauline Woods. She married Kenneth Dietzel on April 9, 1960, in Victoria, Texas. Her leadership qualities were evident from an early age. While attending Nazareth Academy, she served as class president during her freshman and junior years and was editor of the school newspaper for two years. She continued her education at Victoria College and the University of Houston–Victoria, pursuing additional professional training throughout her career.
Shirley was an intelligent, determined, and accomplished woman who enjoyed a long and successful professional career. Beginning in 1961, she built an impressive background in office administration, insurance, banking, and medical office management. Her career included leadership positions with the Frank McCoy Agency, Professional Insurance Agents, Inc., Skytop Brewster, Interfirst Bank, and Crossroads Neurosurgical Associates, where she served as Office Manager for Dr. Chaput and Dr. Norvill for 23 years.
Her accomplishments extended well beyond the workplace. Shirley was actively involved in professional and community organizations, including the American Business Women's Association, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and the Insurance Women of Victoria.
She held numerous leadership positions throughout the years, including serving as president of the Insurance Women of Victoria from 1980 to 1981 and serving on its Board of Directors. In June 1981, she received an Outstanding Service Award in recognition of her dedication and contributions. She was also selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Federation of Insurance Women of Texas for the 1981–1982 term.
Her professional knowledge and expertise were recognized through the publication of two articles in Texas Insuror magazine in 1980. She was also selected for seven consecutive years to represent Professional Insurance Agents at the Professional Insurance Women's Conference in Austin, a recognition of her outstanding performance, dedication, and loyalty.
Shirley was a loving and caring wife to Kenneth for 57 years, a devoted mom, loving grandmother & a friend with a kind heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine appreciation for life's simple pleasures. She had a special love for children of all ages, finding happiness in their laughter, curiosity, and playful spirits. Her warmth, generosity, and ability to bring a smile to those around her were among the many qualities that made her so special. Her love of costume jewelry and the color purple was evident to everyone who knew her.
A proud Master Gardener, Shirley had a remarkable passion for gardening and a natural gift for creating beauty. Her garden was filled with an abundance of beautiful flowers, especially her beloved roses. She enjoyed tending to her flowers, taking great pride in every bloom, and enjoyed adding any unusual plant to her "collection" and sharing cuttings with her family & friends. But her love of gardening extended far beyond her own backyard. Shirley truly enjoyed sharing her knowledge and experience with others, always happy to offer advice, answer questions, or help someone discover the joy of gardening, a love she passed on to her daughters, Lisa and Lauree.
She also had a special fondness for her 75-gallon aquarium and her African cichlid fish, specifically her bright orange parrot fish. She enjoyed telling everyone who saw it all about them, and it was a peaceful comfort to her for over 30 years. She loved the thrill of playing the weekly lottery with her carefully picked "lucky" numbers and traveling to Coushatta Casino to play the slots. Spending time with friends playing bunco was another favorite.
Despite her many professional accomplishments, the simple things in life brought Shirley some of her greatest happiness. Whether tending her roses, caring for her fish, sharing her gardening knowledge, enjoying the company of her grandchildren, or sharing a good laugh, she embraced the things she loved.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Kenneth Dietzel; her father, Mason H. Woods; her mother, Pauline Woods; her brother, Mason H. Woods Jr.; and her sister, Henrietta Fagg.
She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Chappell and husband Colby Chappell of Victoria, Texas, and Lauree Dietzel and partner Carol Rhodes of Leander, Texas; her grandson Taylor Bridges and wife Karly Bridges, great-grandson Ryder Bridges, and great-granddaughter Josie Bridges, all of New Braunfels, Texas; her grandson Carson Bridges and husband Warren Tonack of McKinney, Texas; and her brother, John H. Woods of Victoria, Texas.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 5-7 pm, followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 7 pm, all at Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 2 pm at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, followed by interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
A special thank you to our dear longtime family friend, Jacki Schlinger, for her steadfast friendship, love, and support, and to Nancy Delgado for the exceptional compassion and loving care she provided to our mother. Both have been a true blessing to our family.
Although she will be deeply missed, the memories she created, the wisdom she shared, and the love she gave will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends and the lives she touched along the way.
Carrying her to her final resting place with love and honor will be Taylor Bridges, Carson Bridges, Colby Chappell, Connor Chappell, Jim Steele & Michael Herring.
The family graciously welcomes flowers as an expression of love and remembrance. For those wishing to honor her memory through a charitable contribution, memorial donations may be made to the Victoria County Master Gardeners Association, in loving remembrance of her life and legacy.
Words of comfort, condolences, and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
